Irwin-Hill takes a punt with Arkansas Razorbacks

Eaglehawk kicker/punter Sam Irwin-Hill is a step closer to his NFL dream after accepting a college football scholarship with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The in-demand Irwin-Hill was offered scholarships by several NCAA division one teams, but decided Arkansas was “the place I needed to be”.

Irwin-Hill has enjoyed two outstanding seasons at junior college level with City College of San Francisco.

Arkansas recruiter Terrence J. Butler had Irwin-Hill high on his priority list after his debut college season last year when he helped City College go through the season undefeated on its way to winning the national championship.

“TJ was amazing throughout the whole process and made me feel very comfortable, even when there was uncertainty in the head coaching position,” Irwin-Hill said.

“With coach (Bret) Bielema now on board and special teams coach (Charlie) Partridge coming as well, I just knew this was the place I needed to be. I just can’t wait to visit Arkansas in late January.”

Irwin-Hill declined offers from other division one colleges Miami, Utah State and Louisiana Tech to play with the Hogs in the strong Southeastern Conference.

A former Bendigo Pioneer and Eaglehawk footballer, Irwin-Hill was promoted to US colleges by ex-AFL player Nathan Chapman’s Prokick Australia and has won many admirers for his prodigious kicking ability.